Eye Flu or acute conjunctivitis is caused by viral and bacterial infection, spread by touch, whether direct or indirect. The infection usually spreads during monsoon and the symptoms are redness of the eye, discharge, itching and watering, Conjunctivitis is highly contagious

People who wear contact lenses are at greater risk of contracting allergies and are more prone to viral and bacterial conjunctivitis. The best precaution one can take is to stop using lenses immediately at any sign of redness in the eyes.

Although Conjunctivitis is not a serious condition but in more serious cases drops containing anti-viral drug is prescribed. The symptoms usually clear in 2-3 weeks time.

Self-medication can be dangerous those suffering from eye flu should avoid buying eye- drops over- the counter because steroid- based eye drops are " extremely harmful" and can even cause sight threatening complication like corneal blindness.